Do I need to notarise an MOA for a company formation in Dubai?

Yes. Notarising the Memorandum of Association is mandatory for all mainland companies registered with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Without a notarised MOA, the trade licence cannot be issued.

Who notarises the MOA in Dubai?

MOA notarisation is carried out by the Dubai Courts Notary Public or via the Dubai eNotary system. EGSH prepares the documents and facilitates the notarisation process through authorised channels.

Can the MOA be signed remotely or electronically?

Yes. Dubai Courts allow eNotary signing for MOAs through verified digital IDs (UAE Pass). However, physical presence may be required for certain company types or partner nationalities.

Is MOA notarisation and MOA attestation the same?

No. Notarisation is the legal signing of the MOA before the Notary Public. Attestation is used for foreign documents being legalised by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Only notarisation gives the MOA legal effect within the UAE.

How long does the MOA notarisation take in Dubai?

If all documents are complete, notarisation usually takes 15–30 minutes at a Dubai Courts Notary Public or via the e-notary system.

Is the MOA required in Arabic?

Yes. The UAE requires that the notarised MOA be in Arabic. Bilingual Arabic-English MOAs are accepted and commonly used for clarity.

Can the MOA be amended later?

Yes. The MOA can be amended at any time. Yet all changes—such as ownership updates, activity additions, or capital adjustments—must be notarised again through the Notary Public to be legally valid.

MOA Notarisation in the UAE – Memorandum of Association Notary Services via EGSH

Home/
Attestation Department/
Services/
Legal and Documentation/
Memorandum of Association (MOA) Notarization

MOA Notarisation Services in Dubai

Official Notarisation of Your Memorandum of Association

EGSH assists clients with the full notarisation of the Memorandum of Association (MOA) in Dubai, ensuring that company formation documents are legally attested and approved through Dubai Courts Notary Public or Smart e-Notary channels.

Through EGSH, clients can prepare, review and notarise their MOA in both Arabic and English, submit amendments, and complete corporate updates in accordance with the UAE company law.

Why EGSH:

Full support with drafting, reviewing and notarising your MOA
Coordination with Dubai Courts Notary and Smart eNotary systems
Assistance with MOA amendments
VIP, queue-free service with government-regulated fees

Most MOA notarisation procedures are completed in a single visit. Depending on the method used, the notarised MOA is issued either as an electronically signed document through the Dubai Courts Smart Notary system or as a traditional stamped hard copy.

Official Notarisation of Your Memorandum of Association

Visit EGSH

You may visit EGSH during working hours and be assisted immediately with VIP, queue-free service, or book your appointment online at a preferred time convenient for you.

Provide Required Documents

Submit shareholder IDs, the draft MOA, trade name reservation and corporate records. We verify and prepare the file in the approved notary format.

Notary Submission and Signing

EGSH submits the MOA through the authorised notary system. Shareholders sign electronically or in person, and the notary validates the document.

Receive the Notarised MOA

The notarised MOA is issued either as an official hard copy (Court Notary) or as an electronically signed document (Smart eNotary), depending on the method used.

Visit EGSH for VIP Service Without Queues

You can stop by EGSH during working hours without an appointment or book your visit at a time that suits you best.

Address
Art of Living Mall, Al Barsha 2, Dubai

Operating hours
Monday–Saturday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am–12:00 pm; 2:00 pm–5:00 pm
Sunday: Closed

Call +971 4 612 1810 WhatsApp

Shareholder Identification

Valid passport copies for all shareholders and managers. UAE residents must also present their Emirates ID for verification.

Trade Name & Company Details

An approved trade name reservation and details of the proposed legal structure, activities, and capital distribution.

Draft Memorandum of Association

The MOA in Arabic or bilingual Arabic-English format, prepared according to the UAE Commercial Companies Law and suitable for notary approval.

Corporate Authorisations

If a representative signs on behalf of a shareholder or company, a notarised Power of Attorney or a board resolution must be provided.

Take a 3D Tour of EGSH

VIP Service

Personal assistance and priority processing with no queues.

Affordable Fees

Official government rates with transparent, fixed pricing.

All Services in One Place

Comprehensive range of UAE government services under one roof.

One-Visit Completion

Most procedures are completed in a single visit to the centre.

What Is MOA Notarisation in the UAE

A Memorandum of Association (MOA) notarisation in the UAE is the official process of validating and legalising an MOA. This document defines a company’s ownership structure, capital distribution, management powers and authorised activities.

The notarisation is conducted through the Dubai Courts Notary Public or the Smart eNotary system, in accordance with the UAE Commercial Companies Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021). Once notarised, the MOA becomes a legally binding corporate document and is required before obtaining a mainland trade licence or completing any subsequent corporate amendments.

Notarisation ensures that:

Shareholder identities and signatures are legally verified
The company structure aligns with UAE commercial regulations
The document has full evidential value and enforceability in the UAE

MOA notarisation is mandatory for Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), civil companies, partnership structures, and any entity requiring a formal constitutional document under UAE law.

When MOA Notarisation Is Required in Dubai

MOA notarisation is mandatory for any company structure in Dubai that requires a formal constitutional document under the UAE Commercial Companies Law. The notarised MOA becomes part of the company’s official legal record. It must be completed before the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) will issue or amend a mainland trade licence.

MOA notarisation is required in the following situations:

Formation of a New Mainland Company — All Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), civil companies, and partnership structures must notarise their Memorandum of Association or Local Service Agent agreement before completing commercial registration.
Changes to Shareholder Structure or Ownership Percentages — Any update involving the addition, removal, or substitution of shareholders requires a notarised MOA amendment.
Updates to Company Capital, Management Powers, or Commercial Activities — Revisions to share capital, signing authorities, business activities, or managerial roles must be reflected through a notarised MOA modification.
Corporate Restructuring or Reorganisation — Mergers, acquisitions, corporate restructuring, and changes involving parent-company participation require notarised amendments in line with UAE legal requirements.

All notarisation procedures must be completed through the Dubai Courts Notary Public or the Smart eNotary platform.

Types of MOA Notarisation in the UAE

MOA notarisation in the UAE covers several document types and corporate scenarios, each governed by the UAE Commercial Companies Law and processed through the Dubai Courts Notary Public or Smart eNotary system. The type required depends on the company’s legal structure and the nature of the corporate action being completed.

New MOA Notarisation for Company Formation

This applies when establishing a new mainland company, such as an LLC, civil company, or partnership. The MOA outlines the company’s ownership, capital distribution, management structure, authorised activities, and signing authorities. Notarisation is mandatory before the DET will issue the trade licence.

MOA Amendment Notarisation

Companies must notarise amendments when modifying essential corporate details, including:

Changes in shareholders or ownership percentages
Adjustments to share capital
Updates to business activities permitted under the licence
Changes in management roles or authorised signatories
Amendments to company powers or profit distribution

The notarised amendment replaces or supplements the previous version in the company’s official file.

Notarisation of Addenda and Side Agreements (Where Allowed)

Specific corporate provisions or clarifications—such as internal arrangements between shareholders—may be notarised as supplementary agreements, provided they do not contradict the notarised MOA or UAE law.

POA-Based Notarisation for MOA Signing

Where a shareholder cannot attend in person, a legally notarised and attested Power of Attorney may be used. The POA itself must be approved before it can be used for MOA signing at the Notary Public.

Legal authorizations often require power of attorney attestation after notarization.

How MOA Notarisation Works in Dubai

MOA notarisation in Dubai follows a regulated procedure performed by the Dubai Courts Notary Public or the Smart eNotary system, depending on the type of company and the method chosen. The standard procedure includes the following steps:

Document Review and Preparation

The draft Memorandum of Association (or amendment to an existing MOA) is prepared in both Arabic and English. Any Power of Attorney used for signing must be notarised and legally valid.

Identity Verification of Shareholders or Representatives

All shareholders—or their legally appointed representatives—must be present in person or connected via approved remote channels. Identification is verified using an Emirates ID for UAE residents or a passport for non-residents.

Notary Public Session or Smart e-Notary Approval

The MOA is submitted to the Dubai Courts Notary Public or processed through the Smart eNotary platform. The notary verifies the details, witnesses the signatures, and formally notarises the document.

Issuance of the Notarised MOA

Once approved, the notarised MOA is issued in the format applicable to the chosen method: as a stamped hard copy (Dubai Courts Notary Public), or as a digitally signed document (Smart eNotary). Both formats are legally valid and used for DET licensing, bank account opening, shareholder amendments, and other corporate procedures.

Consequences of Not Notarising the MOA

Failure to notarise the Memorandum of Association (MOA) in the UAE has direct legal and administrative consequences, as the company’s structure, partner details, and capital arrangements only become valid after notarisation through a Dubai Courts Notary Public or approved eNotary channels. Until the MOA is notarised, the company has no enforceable legal framework.

Key consequences include:

A trade licence cannot be issued or amended

The DET will not issue, renew, or update a commercial licence without a notarised MOA reflecting the correct ownership.

Share transfers and capital changes have no legal effect

Any unnotarised amendments are invalid and cannot be used in partner disputes or corporate filings.

Bank account opening and updates are blocked

Banks require a notarised MOA to confirm partners, capital, and signing authorities.

Labour and immigration records cannot be updated

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) will not amend establishment data, partner visas, or authorised signatories without a notarised MOA.

Corporate agreements cannot be enforced

Dubai Courts do not recognise any private or internal partner agreements that are not notarised.

Delays in all subsequent company procedures

Licensing changes, establishment card updates, visa applications, and regulatory approvals all require a notarised MOA.

Notarisation ensures that the company’s structure and ownership are formally recognised, allowing the business to operate in full compliance with UAE corporate regulations.

Explained by

Omar Al Qasem

Government Services Consultant at EGSH

Omar Al Qasem has extensive experience in legal consulting and government services in Dubai, including the management of one of the emirate’s major government service centres. He has worked across key roles in government relations, operations, and strategic service delivery, building strong professional connections with multiple Dubai authorities and leading entities.

MOA Authentication

Request Memorandum of Association (MOA) attestation in the UAE through EGSH.

From AED 1,891

Commercial Document Attestation

Complete your commercial document attestation in Dubai with EGSH through a fast, VIP, queue-free service.

From AED 468

Experience Certificate Attestation

Get your professional experience certificate attested for legal use in Dubai & UAE.

From AED 610

All Services

View all Legal & Documentation Services

Frequently Asked Questions About MOA Notarisation in the UAE

Still have any questions?

We are extremely pleased with the excellent visa services provided by EGSH in Dubai. From start to finish, their team demonstrated professionalism, efficiency, and deep expertise in handling visa applications for our workforce.

Ms. Zara Moshiri is extremely professional, patient, and supportive. She provided clear and thorough guidance and took the time to answer all my questions. I truly appreciate her help and highly recommend working with her.

Outstanding Service and Professionalism My wife and I recently applied for and obtained our 5-year Golden Visa (Retiree) in an exceptionally short time — mine in three days and my wife’s in just one day. We are extremely satisfied with the service provided by EGSH Emirates Government Service Hub.

Exceptional service every step of the way For showing your great example of services Remarkable dedication of consultant mrs Maria Garcia regalado. Thank you EGSH service Hub team

Amazing service! They went above and beyond to assist and resolved my concern there and then! Highly recommended anyone to visit this centre, the ladies are very helpful

Went there for a consulting. Booked an appointment in advance thro their website. Came early — no line — which is good. Very pleasant interior. My consultant Rachel, was polite. Answered all my questions. Can’t judge regarding the process once applied for an exact service, but consulting went well.

This trustee office is remarkably quiet, and it is unquestionably the finest I have experienced in Dubai. Umama Azeem was an absolute pleasure to work with; she ensured that all documentation and formalities were thoroughly prepared prior to the arrival of both the buyer and the seller. As a result, the transaction itself was completed within approximately ten minutes. For anyone uncertain about which trustee office to choose among the many available options, this is undoubtedly the correct choice. My sincere thanks to Umama Azeem for her exceptional assistance.

Amazing support and communication during the whole process. Rachel, Yara and Maria were super well organized and assisted in record time. We finished the whole process from star to end in 4 business days for 10 year Golden Visa!

I had an excellent experience with the wonderful help of Maria Claudia Garcia. Her professionalism and attention to detail made the whole process easy.

They are really very amazing very kind I was having problem with my residency and my license miss Zara and miss Amna they really help me from start to end and they are really very kind and professional highly recommend if any wants to setup there business go with egsh and thanks miss Zara 🙏 you are really very amazing person

I had a pleasure being assistanced by Ms. Natalia today and her support throughout the process. Everything was smooth, super professional, efficient and high level service was exceptional. Highly recommended for anyone looking for reliable and smooth government-related services.

I had such a great experience with EGSH (Emirates Government Services Hub)! Everything went super smoothly, and the team was really helpful. A big shout‑out to Ms. Zara Moshiri—she was kind and supportive the whole way through. Truly appreciate it!

Super quick and efficient service. Maria was available via WhatsApp and responded very quickly to all messages.

I got a delightful service from them to upgrade my visa category half of the expected timeline. Compared with my previous place, this the best and I would like to recommend any of visa service for all of you. * reasonable fair (I was asked twice my previous what I paid). * fast service and delivering before timeline. * Authentic service. Thank you so much Maria for your dedicated service.!

An exceptional service from Zara at EGSH. She guided us perfectly through the process and managed to get us even more than we had anticipated. A world class service center with exceptional staff. Would recommend them to anyone who wants to get sorted for government services

Hello, My Name is Kelvin it was my first time to hear EGSH Emirates Govt from my sponsor. I was assisted By Mrs Maria Claudia Garcia the experience was amazing from the beginning to the End she has been supporting and guiding me through all the process. I am grateful to her and the entire team for the help. I trust and believe EGSH is a place to recommend to family members and friends.

A very hassle free experience from EGSH. Special mention of Ms.Zara who was most helpfull. Her quick response to queries and swift action are much appeciated.

We had the pleasure of being assisted by the lovely Ms Maria and Ms Randa. They were clear concise and super professional throughout our whole process of renewing our Ejari and business licence. Maria provided continued support while we were waiting for our business Ejari to come through and made it a simple seamless process. I can’t thank these lovely ladies enough. We saved so much money going direct and it was refreshing knowing we are not over paying going through a PRO or typing service company that add so many fees. I saved over 6000aed just for reference. Thank you to EGSH staff. Especially Maria & Randa 🙏

EGSH in art of living is the best Hub center for every thing that you want in dubai Specially Ms.ZARA MOSHIRI is the advisor and assistance and she is beside you in every step Thank you Ms.ZARA MOSHIRI and EGSH

I recently visited this institution had an exceptional experience! Ms. Maria Claudia took the time to understand my needs and preferences. I really appreciate her support and services.

Good morning, I needed to apply for the Golden Visa and went to this EGSH Emirates office. I was very impressed by their facilities and the peaceful atmosphere. We were fortunate to be assisted by María Claudia García, who provided exceptional service. She advised and helped us every step of the way, guiding us through the entire process until we obtained the Golden Visa. Honestly, people with this level of professionalism and personal touch make one feel more at ease and integrated into this country. Thank you!

I would like to express my appreciation to Ray from EGSH for his outstanding assistance in handling the transfer of our property at Rove Hotel. He was very helpful, accommodating, and patient throughout the entire process, from addressing transaction concerns and verifying documents to the actual property transfer and ensuring the new owner received the title deed…

I worked with Amir and Zara, they took care of everything, I only had to send the mandatory information. In a very short time, everything was completed. I was amazed, considering how difficult it had seemed before. Not to mention, the fees were the same or even lower than those of the other companies I mentioned. For me, it was a 10/10 experience, the quickest and smoothest process someone could have in this journey. Strongly recommend them.

Zara assisted me with my Ejari registration, and she was absolutely amazing. She demonstrated exceptional professionalism, efficiency, and delivered everything promptly. Truly a pleasure to work with!

THE BEST!!! Zara you are as always star

Thanks to EGSH and to Zara for Excellent service — professional, attentive, and truly pleasant experience. Highly recommended!

Had an amazing service for the transfer of property there, specially Rachel Rahmat she was very helpfull throughout the process, looking forward to work more.

Visited for the first time for a property transfer and had an amazing experience with Jessieca! She was professional, helpful, and made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommended for all government services excellent customer service!

Personally, I find this the best centre in Dubai. They always go the extra mile. Especially Maria Garcia has help out so much in such an efficient way! Thank you!

Went there for ejari cancellation. Excellent place. Staff was so cooperative. Ms Maria and Ms Fatima assist me and it was a fast process.

This is probably the best government service hub in Dubai. You come in, asked to be seated, and the staff will come to you instead of standing on the reception and on queue. They will offer you tea and water are available at each table. Really embodies the Emirati hospitality and what seamstresses Dubai is known for.

I was here the morning of this post. The concierge like service with a contact person arranging for you all the difeerent interactions is making the interactuon as smooth as possible. A truly delightful experience and a true commitment to service excellence, thank you for the great experience and for the initiative to present government interactions in this way!

Outstanding service — fast, friendly, and highly professional. Thank you very much!

I’ve been here for the first time and I can say that this organization definitely worth to come here and make all proceeds with their help! We were changing the owner and such difficult process was really easy for us with your help and most of the time it was done online. So I’m very grateful to Mrs Zara and her support during all the process❤️

I had an excellent experience with Natalia Baiamonte from EGSH while getting Ejari certificate. From the very beginning, she was professional, attentive, and extremely helpful. Natalia guided me through the process clearly, answered all my questions with patience, and made task feel simple and stress-free. Highly recommend Natalia for her outstanding customer service and dedication!

We had great experience with Amal She is so helpful and awesome She stayed with us over her duty today just to finish her work Thanks Amal

I had a really good experience with EGSH (Emirates Government Services Hub). Everything went smoothly and the team was super helpful. Special thanks to Zara and Amal. they were so supportive and kind throughout the process. Really appreciate it!

I had a great experience with this office. They handle everything related to company setup, residency, Golden Visa, DLD, and more. The office is very clean, modern, and welcoming, and the staff are extremely professional and polite. A special thank to Ms. Zara for her kindness and guidance throughout the process so smoothly and professionally, and to Ms. Amal for managing the administrative registration.

Zara is the best always attentive to every requests and helping with a solving problems without delay thank you Zara❤️🌸 …

Absolutely stunning office, i am awestruck. No one can beat Dubai for the kind of hospitality you get in a government office… Its mind-blowing 😍 i wish i could give a 10 star rating (double) on 5 🤩

I had a great experience with EGHS. I was assisted by Sarah Almeida and she delivered an amazing service. Very attentive, promptly responded my messages and guided me throughout the process. It was all very smooth and done very quickly. I highly recommend and I’ll definitely use their services again.